Sirukumab Promising for RA Sirukumab, an investigational human monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to the interleukin (IL) 6 cytokine, has completed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, Phase 3 clinical trial (SIRROUND-T) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).1 During the trial, which took place between July 25, 2012, and Jan. 12, 2016, researchers randomized adult patients…
Doctors have had few options to treat the chronic rheumatoid arthritis-like symptoms associated with chikungunya virus infections beyond over-the-counter pain relievers. A recent study in Science Translational Medicine has spurred new optimism by finding that a combination therapy—the anti-rheumatic drug abatacept paired with a chikungunya-neutralizing monoclonal antibody—abolished acute symptoms in infected mice.1 The strategy must…
The FDA has approved a new formulation of methotrexate designed as an oral solution for pediatric patients. The agency has also recently introduced age restrictions for codeine and tramadol for children under age 12, citing their risks for slowed or difficult breathing and death…
The alarming statistics on prescription opioid overdoses are well known to medical professionals, thanks to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s widely cited finding that deaths from opioid analgesics have increased fourfold since 1999.1 Half of all fatal drug overdoses now involve opioids prescribed by a doctor. Meanwhile, a lack of rigorous research…
What does a new patient experience as symptoms develop and diagnosis is confirmed? Who is involved in the care of a newly diagnosed patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)? The ARHP Practice Committee has developed a case study that will help answer these questions . Meet Joy G., a 48-year-old woman with RA. Follow Joy through…
Collaboration among all providers—surgeon, rheumatologist, physical therapist, etc.—is essential for patients with a rheumatic disease who are about to undergo total joint arthroplasty to reach their goals, including reduced pain and improved mobility…
(Reuters Health)—Arthroscopic surgery won’t cure chronic knee pain, locking, clicking, a torn meniscus or other problems related to knee arthritis, according to a panel of international experts. Every year, more than two million people with degenerative knee problems have arthroscopic surgery. But guidelines published May 10 in the British Medical Journal recommend against the procedure…
(Reuters Health)—A new study finds that as many as four in 10 people may develop hand osteoarthritis. Among women, researchers found the lifetime risk was 47% while for men it was about 25%. Obese people also had 11% higher lifetime risk than those who were not obese. Hand osteoarthritis can cause disability and problems with…
Gout patients need to lower their uric acid levels to 6.0 mg/dL or below and maintain that level. According to N. Lawrence Edwards, MD, MACP, MACR, an education campaign has been raising awareness of this fact and helping gout patients…
(Reuters Health)—Grating, cracking or popping sounds around joints may predict future arthritis, especially in the knees, according to a recent U.S. study. Among thousands of people with no knee pain who were followed for three years, one quarter had noisy knees yet they made up three quarters of the cases of symptomatic knee arthritis that…